There are many reasons to want rooftop solar production. Reduce footprint, gain backup power, save money—solar does it all. One choice you have to make is whether to install regular solar panels or solar shingles. We all know that PV (photovoltaic) solar panels are a great choice for rooftop solar production, but is the same true for solar shingles?
What Are Solar Shingles?
Solar shingles work similarly to solar panels but with a few key differences. While solar panels are attached on top of your shingles, solar shingles are installed in place of your shingles. They’re roughly the same size as your shingles but weigh quite a bit more. Like Regular shingles overlap each other during installation. But designers have specifically designed these shingles to not block any solar material. Similar PV (photovoltaic) technology is used, but they are much thinner and designed to blend into your roof’s aesthetic. The PV material usually consists of copper indium gallium selenide, but other materials may be used, such as monocrystalline silicon, which manufacturers use for making computer chips. Silicon is more expensive than copper but has a higher conversion rate of 15 to 20 percent, as opposed to 10 to 12 percent. One drawback to rooftop solar shingles is that they don’t have the airflow that you have under solar panels, which means they may trap too much heat and make your home too warm. Running more AC counteracts this and reduces efficiency.
Availability and Cost
Since there are many different kinds of shingles, and solar shingles are new technology. Finding a suitable solar shingle for your house’s aesthetic can be challenging, especially when constructing a new home.Replacing a roof on an existing home presents more difficulties, and you will need to perform extensive work to ensure that these new rooftop solar shingles function perfectly as a replacement for your current roof.
In theory, installing solar shingles could cost less than installing shingles and then solar panels on top of those. You are buying less material, after all. The relative price of solar panels versus solar shingles is difficult to predict. Due to the larger number of manufacturers and suppliers for panels, resulting in increased competition and cost reduction. Accurate estimation requires detailed project information and your specific preferences.
At InfinityEnergy, we’re proud to have built a team of trained, in-house professionals. Who devoted to bringing affordable and clean energy to the Northeast. We help homeowners save money each month, with the best solar energy system available. While making a better tomorrow for us all. And with our advanced in-home monitoring controls, A+ warranty, and exceptional service, our customers know they’re getting the best in the industry. Based in Mahwah, New Jersey we service Northern New Jersey, Hudson Valley, NY and Connecticut. Feel free to get in touch with your questions or contact us for your free quote!
